Hot or Iced Hojicha Latte Recipe (with Pumpkin!)
Dec 12, 2024 • Updated Feb 05, 2025
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This pumpkin spice hojicha latte is a rich and creamy seasonal drink that I actually love even more than the matcha powder version because hojicha has a naturally toasty flavour, a comforting aroma, and much less caffeine! The blend of pumpkin purée, warming spices, and just the right amount of sweetness makes it feel indulgent yet balanced. Plus, it’s vegan, easy to make, and can be enjoyed hot or iced, so it fits any mood or season.
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Why You’ll Love This Hojicha Tea Latte Recipe
Making this creamy hojicha latte from the comfort of your own home instead of venturing out to a coffee shop is so easy and so worth it. This warm pumpkin spice hojicha latte is the perfect drink for cozy winter days. Just like a pumpkin butter matcha latte, the notes of hojicha pair beautifully with pumpkin spice, creating a drink that feels seasonal and soothing.
A hojicha latte is very similar to a matcha latte but it has lower caffeine content than matcha or coffee, so it makes the perfect latte for any time of day — whether you’re having a slow morning or winding down in the afternoon. Plus, it’s completely vegan, crafted with plant-based milk and wholesome ingredients, so you can enjoy every sip! If this is your first time using hojicha and/or matcha, you can learn all about how to choose the right type of matcha my matcha green tea 101 guide – you’ve got this!
What is Hojicha?
Hojicha is a type of Japanese green tea known for its earthy flavors and rich aroma. Unlike traditional green teas, hojicha undergoes a roasting process that imparts a warm, caramel-like taste and reduces its caffeine content. This makes it a soothing option for evenings or for those sensitive to caffeine.
Ingredient Notes
- Hojicha: This roasted green tea gives the latte its warm, nutty flavor with subtle caramel flavors.
- Plant-based milk: A creamy base that makes this latte feel rich and comforting. Different kinds of milk are totally fine to use – oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk all work beautifully.
- Pumpkin purée: Adds a velvety texture and a cozy vibe. Sweet potato purée can step in if that’s what you have on hand or prefer.
- Ground cinnamon: Layers in gentle warmth and spice while enhancing the pumpkin flavour. A pinch of nutmeg could also work.
- Pumpkin spice mix: A blend of spices that creates the classic fall aroma we love. You can mix your own with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a subtle sweetness and rounds out the flavours. Almond extract can offer a slightly nutty twist if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Maple syrup: Naturally sweetens and deepens the flavour without overpowering. Agave or date syrup are great alternatives if you prefer.
For exact ingredient amounts and instructions, see the printable recipe card below.
How to Make a Homemade Hojicha Latte
Step 1: Prepare a shot of hojicha by sifting it into a small bowl and whisking it with about 1/4 cup of hot water, but not boiling it. Whisk with a bamboo whisk making M-shaped motions, until nice and frothy and no clumps remain. Set aside.
Step 2: Add all remaining ingredients to a glass and blend with a handheld frother. Strain into a glass with ice to remove any clumps.
Step 3: Top with shot of hojicha and enjoy!
Secrets to Success
- Natural separation may occur, just shake or stir the latte to recombine the ingredients before drinking.
- Don’t prepare your hojicha with high temperature water or milk, as boiling can make it taste bitter.
- Straining the blended ingredients helps achieve a silky texture by removing any residual clumps.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup to suit your taste preferences, or experiment with alternative liquid sweeteners like agave or date syrup.
Serving Tips
- Serve this latte in a glass jar like a mason jar.
- You can enjoy this latte with cold milk, cold water, or hot milk – it’s all up to how you’re feeling! Any liquid base is delicious.
- To make this latte sweeter, stir in a little bit of brown sugar, organic cane sugar, or liquid sweetener like maple syrup, agave syrup, or date syrup. You could also drizzle some homemade maple cream in your drink for extra sweetness.
- Serve with some sweet treats like matcha madeleines or matcha puppy chow!
Storage Tips
If you have any leftover latte, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir well before serving, and enjoy it cold or gently reheated.
Recipe FAQs
I haven’t personally used hojicha tea bags instead of powder but you could try steeping hojicha tea bags or hojicha tea leaves in hot water to make a concentrated tea base. However, the flavour may be milder compared to using powder. Let me know if you try this!
No, canned pumpkin purée contains only pure pumpkin, while pumpkin pie filling includes added sugars and spices. For this recipe, use pure pumpkin purée to control the sweetness and spice levels.
Yes! I prefer it. Combine ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove to create your own pumpkin spice mix, adjusting the ratios to suit your taste.
More Tea Recipes
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Hot or Iced Hojicha Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tsp hojicha
- 7 oz plant based milk
- 2 tbsp pumpkin purée
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice mix ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare a shot of hojicha by sifting hojicha into a bowl and whisking with about 1/4 cup hot, but not boiling water. Whisk with a bamboo whisk making M shaped motions, until nice and frothy and no clumps remain. Set aside.
- In a glass, add all remaining ingredients and blend together with a milk frother. Strain into a glass with ice to remove any clumps.
- Top with shot of hojicha and enjoy!
Notes
- Natural separation may occur, just shake or stir the latte to recombine the ingredients before drinking.
- Don’t prepare your hojicha with high temperature water or milk, as boiling can make it taste bitter.
- Straining the blended ingredients helps achieve a silky texture by removing any residual clumps.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup to suit your taste preferences, or experiment with alternative liquid sweeteners like agave or date syrup.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
